10 must-have, free apps for new Android owners

When you first visit the Android marketplace after purchasing your new Android phone, it can be a little overwhelming. Here is a list of 10 free apps to help you get started.

Appolicious

First, you should start by downloading the free Appolicious AndroidApps.com app, which helps build your app library by suggesting apps you might like based off the apps you import.

Bump

This app is your virtual business card. The free Bump app allows you to swap contact information, photos and apps with other users of the Bump app (including iPhone owners) with a simple fist bump.

ColorNote Notepad Notes

This intuitive note-taking app makes it easy to create a to-do list and plant it right on your phone's home screen via Android widget. The free ColorNote Notepad Notes app is perfecting for color-coding notes, setting reminders, and password protecting private information.

Google Earth

Teach your kids or brush up on geography yourself with the swipe of a finger with the free Google Earth app. This travel app offers an unbeatable view of the world in the palm of your hand. You'll never look at a globe the same way.

Mint.com Personal Finance

This free financial app allows you to monitor several accounts and loans from one convenient place. Special features in the free Mint.com Personal Finance app include a global search function, password protection and an Android widget for your home screen displaying recent transactions.

Nook

Nook is your personal reading nook in the palm of your hand. It's powered by book seller, Barnes and Nobles, offering millions of ebooks for sale and even a library of free selections. Download sample chapters before you buy and the app even allows you to share your purchases with one Nook-loving friend for 14 days.

Peapod

Can you type a text in a wicked amount of time? Do you hate to mingle with the masses while shopping for groceries? Check out the free Peapod app, and order your weekly food supply from the comfort of wherever you happen to be at the moment.

Pandora Radio

One of the most genius music web sites is also a free app. Create your own customized radio stations free with the Pandora Radio app. I'm all Madonna, all the time, no matter where I am with the Pandora Radio app for Android.

Wordfeud

When I switched from iPhone to Android, I thought I would be lost without my Words with Friends app. But, I found the Wordfeud Free app would tide me over just fine. Use this game app to waste precious free time playing fake Scrabble with friends and strangers.

Vignette Demo

This free photography app features more than 100 effects to spice up your photos. Take full screen or even panorama shots with the free Vignette Demo app, and add effects like cinematic, vintage and many more.